The Anglo-Saxon name Appeletown comes from the family having resided near an orchard or a homestead where apples were grown. The Old English word for orchard is ęppeltun, which is a compound word formed from ęppel, which means apple, and tun, which means enclosure. The surname may also be derived from residency near the various settlements called Appleton in Cheshire, Kent, and Yorkshire, among other places.

Appeletown Early Origins

The surname Appeletown was first found in Lancashire at Widness with Appleton, a township, in the parish and union of Prescot, hundred of West Derby. The estate of Widness with Appleton was once held by the family but was lost under tragic circumstances. "Appleton gave name to an ancient family, the last of whom left two children under the guardianship of one Hawarden, who was reported to have murdered them. The estate afterwards belonged to the Gellibrands, who succeeded the Hawardens." [1]CITATION[CLOSE]Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print. Some of the first records of the name include John de Appelton who represented York in the parliament in the reign of Edward II and William Appleton who was sheriff of that city in the reign of James II. [2]CITATION[CLOSE]Guppy, Henry Brougham, Homes of Family Names in Great Britain. 1890. Print.

The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273 include: Thomas de Appelton in Oxfordshire; and Wydo de Appelton in Yorkshire. The YorkshirePoll Tax Rolls of 1379 list Willelmus de Appilton. [3]CITATION[CLOSE]Bardsley, C.W, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames: With Special American Instances. Wiltshire: Heraldry Today, 1901. Print. (ISBN 0-900455-44-6)

Further north in Scotland, one of the first records there was Robert de Aplinden or Aplintoune in Annandale who forfeited his lands in the reign of Robert Bruce. Later Robert de Aplinton or Appylton had a charter of land in the burgh of Invemys from Robert II in 1378. [4]CITATION[CLOSE]Black, George F., The Surnames of Scotland Their Origin, Meaning and History. New York: New York Public Library, 1946. Print. (ISBN 0-87104-172-3)

Appeletown Spelling Variations

Appeletown Spelling Variations

Appeletown has been spelled many different ways, including Before English spelling became standardized over the last few hundred years, spelling variations in names were a common occurrence. As the English language changed in the Middle Ages, absorbing pieces of Latin and French, as well as other languages, the spelling of people's names also changed considerably, even over a single lifetime. Appleton, Apelton, Apleton, Appletown, Apylton and others.

Appeletown Early History

Appeletown Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Appeletown research. Another 147 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Appeletown History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Appeletown Early Notables (pre 1700)

Appeletown Early Notables (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Appeletown Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Appeletown In Ireland

Appeletown In Ireland

Some of the Appeletown family moved to Ireland, but this topic is not covered in this excerpt. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) about their life in Ireland is included in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

In an attempt to escape the chaos experienced in England, many English families boarded overcrowded and diseased ships sailing for the shores of North America and other British colonies. Those families hardy enough, and lucky enough, to make the passage intact were rewarded with land and a social environment less prone to religious and political persecution. Many of these families became important contributors to the young colonies in which they settled. Early immigration and passenger lists have documented some of the first Appeletowns to arrive on North American shores: Richard Appleton settled in Virginia in 1622; and Richard Appleton settled in that same estate in 1635; Francis settled in Maryland in 1774; Mary Appleton settled in 1734.

Burke, Sir Bernard. Genealogical and Heraldic History of the Peerage and Baronetage, The Privy Council, Knightage and Compainonage. London: Burke Publishing, 1921. Print.

Shaw, William A. Knights of England A Complete Record from the Earliest Time to the Present Day of the Knights of all the Orders of Chivalry in England, Scotland, Ireland and Knights Bachelors 2 Volumes. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing. Print. (ISBN 080630443X).

The Appeletown Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Appeletown Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.